dirty bomb

noun

: a bomb designed to release radioactive material

Examples of dirty bomb in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And Russian authorities have made numerous claims before and after the invasion that Ukraine was developing a radioactive dirty bomb. — WIRED, 7 Aug. 2023 Showrunner Graham Yost promised that many questions are set to be answered, such as the origin of the Pez dispenser and the dirty bomb, while also stating that this season sets up an important location that plays a role in the fourth and final season. — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2026 And some, such as YouTuber Nosy Bystanders, are suggesting that drones are being used by the government to detect radiation, perhaps in anticipation of the explosion of a dirty bomb. — Emma Woollacott, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 The final scene was a flashback, showing a woman questioning a congressman in Washington, DC, about possible retaliation after the US dropped a dirty bomb on Iran. — ArsTechnica, 2 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dirty bomb

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dirty bomb was in 1956

Rhymes for dirty bomb

See All Rhymes for dirty bomb

Browse Nearby Words

dirty allan
dirty bomb
dirty laundry
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dirty bomb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirty%20bomb. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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